Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-07-08
,ply. "The mail carrier came on foot

nc Idll Oh RAIN OH topoi ~ ihuOh shO"
has caused perfect deluge."
Miss Cornelia Barton had gone into
the ladies room. pinned up her skirts
and put OH her gossamer, and was
leaving fhe platform when Roger
Marston overlook her.
"You are not going home to- nightP"
said he. in tone of angry surprise.
Most certainly" was the calm re.
ply, and he could see, though it was
very dark, how firmly the sweet mouth
was closed.
swat then until can get liant.
ern," said he, impatiently going back,
but the lady paid no attention. She
was picking her way along with as
much lady-like composure as it is pos
siblc to assume with the pavemonts
ankle-deep in water, when the lawyer
again overlook her.
"Why didn't you waltz he asked
snappishly. You can't find your
way without light"
Il was doing very well, thank you"
she replied in tone of icy politeness.
1.-The sidewalk is quite passable.
swell, you had no umbrella; you
would have been dripping wet before
you reached home"
"Very likely; but didn't wish to in
commode you"
''Oh bother! Come don't walk away
from my umbrella You'll be Obliged
to take my arm. guess
II think not" calmly. :'My dress
requires my whole attention" She
had pinned it up securely before start
ing, but these white lies are permitted
to the sex.
They walked for some distance in
silence, Marston at length burst forth.
If knew what idiot sent me on q
fools errand to the city to-day I'd
have the wretch transported.
Were you victim of practical
joke also ? asked Miss Cornelia Il
was frightened by a telegram that sum
moned me to the bedside of my sister.
l went, and found her and the family
perfectly well.
'Humph begin TO see the point, ="
said the lawyer. why didn't you stay
and make a visit instead of coming
back in this tempest ?''
'My brother daughter is visiting
me. l wanted TO get back to her as
soon as possible"
Another long silence. The station
being at one extremity of the village
and Miss Barton's house at the other,
the two were compelled 10 endure
each others society for long distance.
At length as they neared her house
sudden gust of wind extinguished
the light of the lantern. There was
nothing to guide them except the ght
shining from the sitting room window.
Suddenly Miss Barton gave a little
scream. "Oh, I've lost my rubber =
"Imposs BILE to find it now; / shall
have to carry you," said Marston.
mo. you won't she exclaimed.
Indeed will. then" said he with
determination in his tones, as he lifted
her in his arm.
Greek meet Greek in the contest o
wills, but his physical strength over
powered hers and so she was obliged
TO submit They reached her door
dripping and breathless.
Wont you come in p she gaspcd.
wait till / get INV breath" he
painted Il will come in. on one con
dit on-that you marry me within two
weeks"
"Oh, that's too soon ~ said she, all
in flutter.
well, I've waited 90 years.
seems as if that might be long enough
"But what will people say?"
Nicely" said he. calling her by I h,
old familiar name. Mrs. Grundy sep,
arated US 20 years ago Don't let .her
ghost come between us and happiness
now We were couple of fools, be-
ing the greater idiot, for a man is ex
pected to exercise little more common
sense"
But l can never get ready in two
weeks
Criminals are sometimes granted 8
roprieve, even after sentence is pro-
nounced said the lawyer. drylv
"Well, shall | come in? Remember i
you repeat your invitation, you accep
the condition
She hesitated moment.
You had better come in ont of tn,
rain, she said at last, reluctantly
When they entered, they found tn,
sitting-room occup ell By two ga,
young people. who acted as if the!
had known each other all their lives.
You young scamp, how came you
here?" exclaimed Roger Marston.
II was the victim of an April joke
uncle" replied Rodney, as he handed
him the note.
"Humph!' said the elder, glancin!
| at the BRIGHT eyes and ROSY cheeks @